Navy Secretary Builds Legacy, One Controversial Brick at a Time

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When Navy Secretary Ray Mabus sent a memo to the Marine Corps commandant, ordering him to develop a plan for gender-integrated boot camp, Gen. Robert Neller reportedly became irate.

Officials familiar with the events told the Associated Press that Neller quickly requested a one-on-one meeting with Defense Secretary Ash Carter to discuss the matter. The scuffle is just the latest example of friction between the SecNav and top brass.

Mabus, who has led the Navy Department since May 2009, has transformed the sea services during his tenure, the longest of a Navy secretary in a century.

The former Navy lieutenant j.g. has pushed forward his often controversial vision on gender, personnel policies, even the nitty-gritty details on officer promotions and sailor and Marine uniforms.